Clubfoot: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Clubfoot?
A pediatrician, a children's doctor, can refer you to an orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint surgeon, who has training in correcting clubfoot. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is clubfoot?
Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot turns inward and downward. It is a congenital condition, which means it is present at birth. Around 1 baby in every 1,000 live births has clubfoot. It can be mild and flexible or severe and rigid.
Tendons are the parts that connect the leg muscles to the foot bones. In clubfoot, these tendons are short and tight, so the foot twists inward.
Doctors group clubfoot into two types. Isolated clubfoot is the most common type, and it happens in children who have no other medical problems. Non-isolated clubfoot happens together with other health conditions, such as spina bifida.
Positional clubfoot is not true clubfoot. It comes from a normal foot being held in an odd position while the baby is in the womb, and it is easily corrected after birth.
Symptoms
The foot turns inward and downward at birth and is difficult to place in the correct position. One or both feet may be affected. In about half of the children with clubfoot, both feet are affected.
- There is often a deep crease on the bottom of the foot.
- The foot and leg are slightly shorter than normal.
Clubfoot is not painful during infancy. Clubfoot will not improve without treatment. A child with untreated clubfoot will walk on the outer edge of the foot instead of the sole, and will be unable to wear shoes.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is not known, and most often clubfoot occurs by itself. The most widely accepted idea is that genes and the environment both play a part. The risk is higher in families with a history of clubfoot. Boys are twice as likely as girls to have clubfoot. Clubfoot can also occur as part of an underlying genetic syndrome.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors identify clubfoot during a physical exam. Many cases are first found on an ultrasound before the baby is born. A foot x-ray may also be done.
Treatment
Treatment should start as early as possible, ideally shortly after birth, when it is easiest to reshape the foot. The first treatment is nonsurgical, no matter how severe the foot is. Most cases are treated well with stretching, casting, and bracing.
The most widely used method is the Ponseti method. It uses gentle stretching and casting to slowly correct the foot. Each week, the baby's foot is stretched, repositioned, and put in a new cast. For most babies, this takes about 6 to 8 weeks. After that, about 90% of babies need a minor procedure to release the Achilles tendon, which is the heel cord.
Clubfeet have a natural tendency to come back, so a brace is needed. The brace is made of shoes attached to the ends of a bar. For the first 3 months, the baby wears it almost full-time. Bracing for at least 3 to 4 years is important to prevent the clubfoot from coming back. If the brace is not worn as prescribed, the clubfoot is very likely to come back.
Some severe cases need surgery if other treatments do not work or if the problem returns. Surgery usually leaves a stiffer foot, so doctors try nonsurgical methods first.
When to see a doctor
Treatment should be started as early as possible, so tell your child's doctor if a newborn's foot turns inward and downward. A child being treated for clubfoot needs a call to the provider if the toes swell, bleed, or change color under the cast. Also contact your provider if the cast appears to be causing significant pain, the toes disappear into the cast, or the cast slides off. Contact your provider if the foot begins to turn in again after treatment. A foot that often slips out of the boot may be the first sign that clubfoot is coming back.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor who cares for children can be the pediatrician you ask for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon with expertise in the nonsurgical correction of clubfoot. Your child's health care provider should keep watching the foot until it is fully grown.
Common questions
Is clubfoot painful?
No, clubfoot is not painful during infancy. If it is not treated, the foot will stay deformed, the child will not be able to walk normally, and the child can develop painful calluses and lifelong painful feet.
Can clubfoot go away without treatment?
No, clubfoot will not get better on its own. The outcome is usually good with treatment.
Will my child be able to run and play?
Yes, with treatment your child should have a nearly normal foot and can run, play, and wear normal shoes. The treated foot is usually 1 to 1-1/2 sizes smaller and somewhat less mobile than the other foot.
Can clubfoot come back after treatment?
Yes, clubfeet have a natural tendency to come back, even after successful casting. Bracing for at least 3 to 4 years is important to prevent the clubfoot from coming back. A small percentage of children have a relapse even with proper bracing.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
